CAMDEN, N.J. — With it being trade season on the NBA calendar, teams are figuring out their plans for the Feb. 8 trade deadline and looking to make a push toward the playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a big deal on Wednesday when they acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. The two-time All-Star is averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 52.2% from the floor this season.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse, obviously, has a wealth of experience with Siakam from their days together in Toronto, and he gave his thoughts on the trade.
“Listen, Pascal is obviously a really good player,” said Nurse. “Two-way player, versatile. I think what does he provide for them? I mean, he obviously gives them a little more size. They play a lot of guards and play — he’ll probably help them a little bit matchup-wise. He can defend multiple positions.”
The Pacers have a great deal of talent led by Tyrese Haliburton who is quickly becoming one of the better point guards in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.6 points and 12.5 assists. With the addition of Siakam, Indiana is looking to push its way into the title conversation in the Eastern Conference.
“He can score buckets, man,” Nurse said. “He can get the ball in the basket when you need them. So, it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in. I don’t know with the pace they’re playing and the style they’re playing, he certainly can run, right? He certainly can run and play in the open floor so it should be interesting to see him do that again.”
The Sixers will get a look at Siakam in a Pacers uniform on Jan. 25 to begin a five-game road trip.
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